Comparison

Smithsonian Magazine vs BrainLab STEAM

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Smithsonian Magazine

Access a digital version of a renowned magazine covering history, science, culture, and travel. Enjoy in-depth articles, photos, and departments. Purchase single issues or subscribe for ongoing access to engaging content.

Highlights
  • Digital magazine issues
  • History and archaeology articles
  • Cutting-edge science reporting
  • Virtual travel and culture features
  • In-app subscriptions and single purchases
Features
Read full description

Enjoy an iOS compatible issue of Smithsonian magazine on your iPhone or iPad. The issue includes every story, department, photo and more. Subscriptions and single copies are available for purchase within the app. Smithsonian magazine delivers trusted and incisive reporting on history, science, nature, culture and travel. * Explore history and archaeology from the earliest days of civilization to secrets of American history to the latest historical discoveries * Catch up on cutting-edge science from wildlife to evolution and the solar system * Travel the world virtually from Petra to Prague, taking in cultural treasures along the way ____________________________________________ SINGLE ISSUES: - Single issue, $3.99 (one time purchase, not ongoing) SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE: - One month for $1.99, automatically renewed until canceled - One year for $19.99, automatically renewed until canceled Smithsonian Magazine publishes 8 issues a year. Payment for any issue or subscription will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. SUBSCRIBERS AUTO-RENEWING FEATURE: Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your iTunes account will automatically be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be provided (yearly subscriptions will renew for another year and monthly subscriptions will renew for another month). Your subscription may be managed through your Account Settings after purchase. Auto-renewal may be turned off in Account Settings. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. Visit https://www.smithsonianmag.com/app/ and https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/privacy/ for more information. ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: The Smithsonian Institution has inspired generations through knowledge and discovery since 1846. It's the world's largest complex of museums and research facilities, and it focuses on four core areas: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet, World Cultures, and the American Experience. Privacy Statement: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.si.edu/termsofuse **Please note that the minimum requirements for Smithsonian Magazine is iOS 13 or higher.**

About

BrainLab STEAM

Features
Read full description

BrainLab STEAM – Learn, Play & Master STEAM Explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math with BrainLab STEAM. BrainLab STEAM is an interactive learning app designed to make STEAM subjects engaging and fun. Whether you are a student, educator, or a curious learner, test your skills with exciting quizzes, problem-solving tasks, and brain-teasing puzzles that enhance critical thinking. Key Features: • Diverse Question Bank – Thousands of curated questions covering Math, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts. • Interactive Quizzes – Fun and adaptive quizzes to test your knowledge. • Daily Challenges – Solve unique puzzles and logic problems every day. • Leaderboard & Achievements – Track progress, earn rewards, and compete with friends. • STEM + Arts Integration – Discover how creativity and innovation connect with real-world applications.

Screenshots

Smithsonian Magazine4 screens
BrainLab STEAM4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BrainLab STEAM at none against Smithsonian Magazine's 13. BrainLab STEAM also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months). Smithsonian Magazine's advantage is chart position (#179 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Smithsonian Magazine sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. BrainLab STEAM asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smithsonian Magazine ships an update every 5 months, BrainLab STEAM every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Smithsonian Magazine versus BrainLab STEAM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmithsonian MagazineBrainLab STEAM
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (428 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews22.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings428 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#179 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSmithsonian InstitutionHo Xuan Quang

Bugs and requests

Smithsonian Magazine

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Unable to download new issues
  • Fails to remember last read position
  • Incompatible with newer iOS versions
  • Incorrect issue labeling in library

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow login with existing subscription
  • Restore previously downloaded issues
  • Improve stability and performance
  • Provide better customer support

BrainLab STEAM

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Smithsonian Magazine

Subscriptions4
  • Smithsonian Annual Subscription$1.991 Month
  • Smithsonian Magazine Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Smithsonian Annual Subscription$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • 12-Month Subscription$19.991 Year
One-time4
  • Smithsonian Magazine6 variants$3.99
  • Smithsonian Magazine - February 2014$3.99
  • Smithsonian Magazine - September 2014$3.99
Show 1 more
  • Smithsonian Magazine 07/2024$3.99
None

BrainLab STEAM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Smithsonian Magazine free?
Smithsonian Magazine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BrainLab STEAM free?
BrainLab STEAM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Smithsonian Magazine or BrainLab STEAM have ads?
Neither Smithsonian Magazine nor BrainLab STEAM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smithsonian Magazine or BrainLab STEAM?
Smithsonian Magazine ships an update every 5 months, and BrainLab STEAM every 6 days. Most recently, Smithsonian Magazine was updated on November 1, 2026 and BrainLab STEAM on October 25, 2026.

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